Imperfect Movement: A Practice

I have been revisiting my relationship with “perfectionism” and how it impacts the way I move…literally.

I grew up afraid to try things because I was worried about being perfect. And I have definitely gotten better about it but sometimes those feelings still come up. My movement practice has actually been a very valuable space for me to practice something intentionally without the expectation of perfection. I have observed and experienced changes in my body multiple times, which means that a movement once considered 'perfectly fine' may no longer suit my needs. I get to make those adjustments without judgement because I have committed to the idea of practice not perfection.

Every single day that I pick up a weight or come to the mat, I am a slightly different person that I was the day before. I have a chance to learn something about each exercise. I have a chance to learn something about myself. Having a movement practice means that I am not working towards a destination or an end goal. It means I get to am enjoy the journey and the learning and the practicing while I am moving my body. And that feels really good! I shared more about it in a recent tiktok if you are interested.

Where do you start?

If you are struggling to figure out how to enjoy movement without falling into the perfectionist trap, I see you. I spent years thinking I constantly needed to be improving and pushing my body for no reason at all. Some of that can be attributed to diet culture and hustle culture for sure. Here are a few ideas that may potentially help shift your relationship with exercise and perfectionism.

Try something new

This is always my number one tip for people who are returning to exercise after any kind of break but anyone can do this. If you find yourself struggling with self-judgment during your movement practice, mixing up your routine and embracing a true "beginner" mindset may help break this cycle. Yes, being a beginner can be intimidating and frustrating, but it might also be easier for you to engage in something with which you have no prior experience. Returning to the same old fitness routine often leads to comparison and shame which do not make exercise very appealing in my opinion. Before the break I had been doing weightlifting and cardio and I was NOT being kind to myself. When I returned to exercise, I took a barre class. During my first barre class, I had no idea what to expect and it kept me on my toes, literally and figuratively. Even when the little competitive “I want to get better at this” part of me came out, it did not come with a side of guilt or shame over what my body used to be able to do. Trying something new can be a little reset for how you think of movement.

Take the modifications
If you already have a movement routine, incorporating variations can be a way to explore new possibilities. I understand that it might be challenging to perceive modifications neutrally, especially when they haven't always been presented to us in that light. However, it's essential to recognize that modifications and variations in movement are neutral! They don't necessarily have to be categorized as "harder or easier" or "beginner or advanced." They can genuinely be embraced at any time, for any reason, or even for no reason at all.

Stepping away from the exact version demonstrated by the instructor can pose a significant challenge, but the reward is well worth it. It has the potential to expose you to a wide range of movements you may not have thought possible, simply by offering a new approach.Additionally, not attempting to do the thing you believe is the “hardest” and “most advanced” will allow you to think about movement more as a practice and less as a competition.

Practice!

I've mentioned this before, but it's worth emphasizing: it's all a practice. Most of us aren't training for the Olympics. Even if you are, that's cool, and remember, you're still a human being allowed to practice. Just like you work on improving your squat depth or run time, you can also practice letting go of perfectionism. You are practicing listening to your body. You are practicing not overdoing it. You are practicing feeling okay with not outdoing yourself week after week. It may not come naturally to you so you get to practice.

Incorporating these approaches can reshape your perspective on movement and help you break free from the perfectionist trap. If you're looking for a supportive community to embark on this journey, the Leavell Up Fitness community is always available.

Let's practice together, stay curious, and embracing the beauty of movement without the burden of perfection.